Why did God create us? And why do we die?
Question
Why did God create us? And why do we live in this evil life? And why do we die?
Answer
God created us out of His generosity and bounty.
Out of His generosity, He did not will to be alone. So He granted us existence—we who were non-existent and had no being—thus He bestowed existence upon us.
And from the goodness of God, He created us to prepare us for eternal life.
As for your words: Why do we live in this evil life?
Who said it is an evil life?! You can live a righteous life, being a blessing to yourself and to those around you. And if you find an evil environment, you can—by the help of God—overcome it.
And you are living a period of testing, to prepare you for the joyful eternity, if you walk well in this life.
As for why we die, you die—after a long life—to pass on to a better life.
And Saint Paul the Apostle says about this: “I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). And why is it far better? Because in this earthly life you are confined in this material body, but when you die, you are made worthy in the resurrection to have a heavenly spiritual body, incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:42–50). And with this spiritual body you can enjoy “what eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man: the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
But if you remain in the material body, you will remain under the rule of matter:
In eating, in drinking, in sickness… even in weakness: for the longer you live, you are exposed to the diseases of old age and to weakness even in the necessities of life. And you need someone to carry you, and to serve you, and to undertake your nursing??
Thus it is better that you die…
Sorry, I never mean at all that you should die now—may God prolong your life for us. But excuse me if I say that no matter how long you live, you must after that die, for this is “the end of every human being” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
And David the Prophet said in his Psalms: “Make me to know my end, O Lord, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am… Surely every man is but a breath; surely every man walks in a shadow” (Psalm 39:4–6).
Article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Year 24, Issues 49, 50 (27-12-1996)
For better translation support, please contact the center.
